The "F" Word

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When you reach 40, there really is some kind of mind shift. You see things differently: your family (especially your children, if you have them), your work both in and out of the home, your friendships. I think I'm more tolerant of people's shortcomings—especially if their good qualities outweigh their scatterbrains, gabbiness or tendency to be late for things. Yet I have less time for people who are dishonest or pretentious. My husband and son drive me crazier than ever (by now I probably know them too well), but I love them more than ever.

I want to take a look at the things 40-plus women are thinking and talking about these days (some of them may strike a chord with women of any age). If you'd like to join me, I'll be here every Friday at 1 p.m.

How was it when you turned 40? Big trauma? Just a shrug? I remember two things about my 40th birthday. The first is sitting on a bed at the Radisson hotel near Sesame Place, where we were wrung out after having spent the past few days with Elmo, Big Bird and my wildly energetic 4-year-old, who was at that moment attempting to climb up the curtains, and sobbing that this was supposed to be my BIRTHDAY! The second is the cake my younger-by-a-few-years friend Joann had made—on the top it said, "Better you than me."

Also turning 40: I read the news today, oh boy, and was reminded that The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper album is now 40 years old. If you recognized the beginning of that last sentence, you probably have a copy. Pop in the disk (or if you're 40-plus-plus, put it on the turntable) and listen. I hope I age that well.

What are your thoughts on the big 4-0? Voice your opinions in Comments.—Diane Oatis